Disclaimer: I do not own Once Upon a Time or the characters. This is just one of the

many sandboxes I like to play in. :)

AN: Happy Once Day! I think after last week's episode and the fact that they are in this week's episode too, I think we can tentatively say that the Year of Snowing is off to a good start. Here's to hoping they keep it up. Please enjoy this next installment of my story, which always centers around Snowing and Charming family and will always see them at their best.

Wow! So fifty chapters already! And it just happens to fall on the day that Once premiered five years ago. I decided I needed to do something to honor that and in looking at the chapters I wrote for 50 and 51, I decided to combine them and celebrate with an extra long chapter 50! So please enjoy and also review!

Updates will remain on Sunday nights.

Ten years have passed since Henry's birth. It is now the year 2011 in the Land Without Magic.

Emma is now 28

Leo and Eva Nolan are eighteen

Henry Nolan is ten

Time has now resumed it's natural course in Storybrooke and all the other realms that were previously frozen by the curse...so we'll be kicking it up a notch. :)

There is also a steamy scene and it's marked with _Snowing_ this if that's not your thing. ;)

Thanks for all the great reviews. Here's individual responses:

barratta Jennifer: Thanks, glad you're enjoying it!

Littlest1: Thanks! Glad you like the addition of characters. I have many more planned in the future as well. :)

RunningInthePouringRain: Aw, thanks! Glad you like it so much. I am such a sucker for Daddy Charming too. I'm so glad you're enjoying all my twists and story lines, because there's so much more to come! :)

Andria: I'm anxious to get to the reunion between Charming and his father too. It's coming, I promise. Glad you're enjoying the story!

Rukia's Reflection: Thanks!

Emmaathena2013: Thanks! Glad you're enjoying it so much!

Sexystarwarslover: Thanks! Glad you love it so much. There is more Daddy Charming moments to come. As for the question with Lancelot, that question will be answered in this chapter. And yes, George may have a bit of trouble when he goes up against the Charmings. ;)

Finding You Always

Chapter 50: Counting Stars

"And that's pretty much the story," Snow explained, having just finished telling Lancelot and the others about their lives during the curse.

"Wow...so they're both yours?" Lancelot asked, indicating Emma and Summer.

"Yes. Memories were restored much earlier than prophesied and Snow and I were able to have more children after Emma, even though time was still frozen," David continued.

"How is that possible?" King Richard questioned. Snow and David exchanged a glance.

"That's an ever longer story," Snow said.

"So the Queen lost control even sooner than anticipated," Richard stated with curiosity.

"Yes, but Regina has changed. She's reformed," Snow replied. Lancelot raised an eyebrow at Charming.

"I know...you're thinking that's impossible. I would say the same if I hadn't seen it with my own eyes. But it's true," David added.

"However did that occur?" Richard asked with great interest.

"Another long story, but she found her true love," Snow said fondly.

"Remarkable," Richard said, a little distantly.

"So that's it? You just let her off the hook for all the pain she caused?!" Aurora exclaimed. Snow and David exchanged another glance.

"Hey...you weren't there. We've seen her change," Emma said defensively.

"Emma's right. It wasn't easy, but we have forgiven her and she's family. We know some never will forgive her, but she has been atoning for everything she did," David explained. Snow nodded.

"She's family now and she, our other children, and our grandchild are why we must find a way back to the Land Without Magic," Snow said, as a large platter of cooked meat was put in front of them.

"Well...portals are difficult, but we can provide you with weapons and supplies. Mulan and I can accompany wherever you need to go," Lancelot said.

"Many dangers have returned this land, mainly the ogres," Mulan added.

"That's very kind of you," Snow said, as they started to eat.

"What is this?" Emma asked, eying the meat wearily.

"Chimera," Lancelot answered.

"And that's what exactly?" she asked. David smirked at his daughter.

"Do you really want to know?" he mused.

"No," she decided, as she took a piece. Summer cringed away, as David tried to feed her a bite.

"I know it's not what you're used to, baby. But we have to eat to keep our strength up," he prodded gently.

"Em...help me out a bit," he pleaded. Emma rolled her eyes and took a bite, smiling at her sister.

"Mmm...it's good," she faked for her baby sister's sake. Sure enough, Summer started eating too.

Snow felt her heart flutter like it usually did when she watched him with their baby. Summer had never been away from Storybrooke, but David's loving patience and protective presence had kept their little one calm and un-frightened for the most part. And even though Emma was grown, her father's presence did much to soothe her as well in this world that was brand new to her too. After all, it did much to soothe Snow also. They had gone eighteen years without any separations and that had only served to make them even more inseparable.

"Hey…" his voice broke through her reverie and she smiled at him.

"Em and I are going to go with Mulan to get weapons and supplies. I'll grab a bow and quiver for you," he said.

"And a dagger," she added slyly, as she plucked Summer from his arms and cuddled her close. He chuckled.

"Of course," he replied, as he kissed her tenderly. She sighed into his kiss, as their lips parted and he and Emma followed Mulan.

"I see not much has changed between you two," Lancelot teased. Snow blushed a little, but smiled slyly.

"No...except I fall in love with him more each day, if that's even possible," she confessed.

"I'm happy for you," Lancelot replied.

"What about you? You mentioned that you returned to Camelot?" Snow asked hopefully. He looked down.

"I did...but I'm afraid I was not as fortunate as you. Regardless of our feelings, her duty to Camelot must come first," he said sadly.

"Don't give up," Snow pleaded.

"I'm not sure it's meant to be," he replied.

"If it's true love, then it will be. True love is precious. Don't let it go without a fight," she encouraged. He smiled.

"I'd forgotten how just being in your presence can instill such hope," he replied. She squeezed his hand affectionately.

"The day that I have no hope that things will get better is the day that I know they won't," she reminded him, as her husband and daughter returned with Mulan. They both had utility belts around their waists, Emma with a sword sheathed on hers and Charming with both a sword and a dagger sheathed on his.

Snow put Summer on her feet and took the third belt from her husband and started putting it on. It had two daggers sheathed on it. He then handed her a quiver of arrows, which she put around her and took the bow from him.

"So...where do you think we should start?" he asked.

"Home…" she answered.

"As in the palace?" he asked. She nodded, giving him a look.

"The wardrobe...it's still a portal. It never actually took anyone," he replied. She nodded.

"We still have to figure out how to use it to get all four of us home...but it's a start," she replied. He smiled and kissed her tenderly.

"It's a good start," he said, as they joined hands.

"Are they always like this?" Mulan asked Emma, who smirked in response.

"Sometimes worse, but you get used to it. It's just how they are," she replied, as her dad took Summer's hand.

"All right...I think we're ready," Snow said, as they prepared to head out. Unexpectedly, Aurora had decided to tag along. Mulan protested Aurora's presence, fearing for her safety, but agreed to let her come along as well. With that, the small party left the haven en route to their palace.


The next morning, Leo knocked on the door to Jefferson's mansion. He had let Henry tag along, much to his nephew's excitement, since it was the weekend. Grace beamed up at him, as she opened the door.

"Hello Grace, is your father home?" Leo asked, with a smile.

"Of course, Your Majesty, come in. Papa!" she called excitedly.

"You can just call me Leo," he told her, as Jefferson strode into the room.

"Junior Deputy Charming, to what do I owe the pleasure?" Jefferson drawled.

"This," Leo said, holding the hat up.

"Of course, join me for tea in the sitting room?" he asked.

"Come on Henry, I'll show you around," Grace said, as the two children took off.

"As long as said tea doesn't make me grow or shrink," Leo joked, as he followed the hatter into the parlor. Jefferson chuckled at that.

"The tea is harmless. It's the weird mushrooms and biscuits from Wonderland you need to avoid," Jefferson reminded.

"So...what can I do for you?" he asked, though he had a pretty good idea.

"The hat...can you get it to work again?" Leo asked. Jefferson laughed and Leo felt his temper flare.

"You're alive, because my parents and sister cared enough to help you. And now they're in another land, with my little sister too no less. I need to find a way to bring them home," Leo growled.

"Yes, they saved my life and I am very grateful. But I can't help you. Magic here is different. Besides...you have more magic inside you than I could ever hope to have," Jefferson replied. Leo sighed.

"My ability with animals isn't going to help much with this," he said, holding the hat up.

"Are you sure that's the only magic you can do?" Jefferson asked.

"So far it seems. Emma's the savior. She probably has more magic than me," Leo replied.

"You're wrong. You're the product of true love, just as much as she is. You want a magical solution, but you're not quite ready to believe that you and your twin could be that solution," Jefferson said knowingly.

"I thought you were the Mad Hatter. Not the Riddler," he grumbled. Jefferson chuckled at that.

"If you want your family back, it may be as simple as believing. But training won't hurt. Fortunately for you, Regina seems very fond of you and your sister, even if she's still unsure of her own magic here. If you both stop letting this world's disbelief cloud your judgment, it may just solve your problems," Jefferson suggested. He sighed.

"I'm trying," Leo insisted.

"Are you?" Jefferson asked.

"Of course I am!" Leo cried out, as a spark of dark blue magic shot from his finger tips and the tea kettle exploded. Leo sat there, mouth wide open in shock, as Jefferson only laughed.

"I guess you are. Magic is emotion," he stated. Leo got a handle on his raging emotions and his hand, which was alive with cobalt sparks eased away.

"What happened?!" Henry exclaimed, as he and Grace ran into the room. Jefferson smiled.

"Your Uncle is just discovering that he already has what he needs...if he can just learn to control it," Jefferson stated.

"Sorry about the tea kettle," he mumbled sheepishly, but the Hatter waved him off.

"I've got spares," he assured him.

"We should be going, Henry. We need to go see Aunt Regina," he said, as Jefferson and Grace saw them off.


About half way into their journey, the stopped as night fell upon them. David had long ago taken to carrying their little one and they found a suitable clearing to camp for the night. He put her down next to his wife and then kissed Snow tenderly.

"I'm going to help Lancelot gather firewood," he said, as he followed the former Knight. Snow smiled and watched him go, before setting her pack down and the bow and quiver.

Emma had followed Mulan to help gather berries or anything they could find to add to the provisions they had brought with them.

"Mommy...are we really going to the palace that's in the book?" Summer asked curiously. Snow smiled down at her baby and smoothed her messy caramel locks.

"We are. Daddy and I hope there might be something there to help us find a way home to Storybrooke," she explained, as she pulled out her canteen.

"Here sweetie...you need to drink a few sips," she said, as she helped her little one, unaware of Aurora's glare burning into her back.

It wasn't fair...it wasn't fair that this woman who took her Phillip away had her prince and her family when Aurora had nothing. Quietly, she pulled a dagger from beneath her cloak and started to slowly creep up behind the raven haired beauty.

Unfortunately for her, the bandit princess heard her coming a mile away and caught her arm, as she tried to stab Snow. She kneed the other princess in the gut and tackled her to the ground, wrenching the dagger from her hand and holding it to her throat.

"What do you think you're doing?" Snow growled.

"Someone has to pay for Phillip's death," Aurora spat.

"Listen Princess, I'm not responsible for killing your prince so you had better find a different outlet for your anger, because if you come within an inch of my baby again with a weapon, you'll be joining him," Snow hissed, as someone was suddenly pulling her off.

"Get away from her," Mulan spat.

"She attacked me," Snow informed, as Mulan raised her sword.

"What the hell is going on here?" Charming exclaimed, as he ran to them.

"I'll deal with Aurora," Mulan snapped. Suddenly, they heard a gunshot ring out, as Emma glared at the two women.

"Lower your sword and get away from my family," Emma growled. There was an inhuman roaring the followed and she watched her parents exchange a stricken look.

"Ogres…" Charming stated.

"Emma...put your gun away. It's useless here. Ogres are blind...they hunt by sound," Snow said hurriedly, as she grabbed her bow and quiver. Emma was stunned, realizing how badly she had just messed up.

"You've doomed us all," Mulan hissed.

"She didn't know...and we've faced worse than a few ogres," David snapped, as he flicked his wrist and brought his sword into ready position.

"Emma...get your sister and get ready to run," Snow ordered and Emma didn't question it, as she swept Summer into her arms.

"HEY!" Charming called to get its attention, as he threw his sword, sending it upward into the ogre's shoulder. He cried out in pain and pulled the sword out, angrily sweeping his hand in attempt to hit his assailant. Charming dodged the ogre's large, sweeping hand and narrowly missed being skewered by his own weapon, as the monster threw it back. He grabbed the hilt and charged, as he saw the ogre knock Emma and Summer off their feet, roaring in their faces.

"HEY!" he called again, but the ogre backhanded him this time, sending him flying into a tree.

"DAD!" Emma cried, as the ogre roared again and she covered her crying baby sister.

"Step away from my daughters!" Snow demanded, as she took expert aim with an arrow and fired, hitting the squarely in the eye. The ground thundered, as the ogre dropped dead to the dirt.

"Are you both okay?" Snow asked, as she knelt beside them and scooped up her crying four-year-old.

"I think we're fine. That was a nice shot, mom," Emma complimented. Snow smiled and hurried over to her husband, who was pulling himself painfully to his feet.

"Are you hurt?" she asked.

"Just bruised I think," he replied, as she quite literally crashed her lips against his in relief.

"I'm sorry Dad...this was my fault," Emma said.

"I'm fine, we all make mistakes. Just stick to the sword while we're here from now on," he replied, giving her a wink. She smiled at his reassurance and Summer started to calm down.

"She's right though...that was careless!" Mulan spat.

"Easy Mulan...the danger has passed for now. I'm sure Emma will be more careful in the future," Lancelot assured. Emma nodded.

"I will," she promised.

"Besides, this wouldn't have happened if someone hadn't tried to attack my wife," Charming said pointedly, as he glared at Aurora.

"I'm fine…" Snow assured him.

"He's right though. She pulled a knife on you," Emma added, crossing her arms over her chest, mirroring her father.

"I'll deal with Aurora. Besides, it seems she was clearly no match," Mulan snapped.

"She wasn't and she lost the man she loved. She's suffered enough," Snow added.

"There's another clearing not far from here. We can move there for the night," Lancelot interjected. They nodded and all followed him quietly.


Eva smiled at the elderly woman, as she administered the pain medicine through her IV, under Dr. Sakura's watchful supervision.

"Thank you, my dear. You're such a lovely girl. Your parents must be so proud," the old woman gushed. Eva smiled.

"I'm just glad you're feeling better. You gave us quite a scare when you fell and broke your hip," Eva replied, as she helped her adjust her pillow to get more comfortable.

Eva really wished she could do more for the poor woman, but she supposed an injury like this would have been much more difficult to treat in the Enchanted Forest and there would be next to nothing for the pain. Still...she hoped to do more.

Suddenly, as if answering her thoughts, her hands glowed with a bright, pink light. She instantly felt the pain her patient felt and running on pure instinct, she put her hands to the woman's broken hip.

The elderly woman gasped for a moment and as the light faded, she looked at Eva in amazement

"Eva…" Paul said with equal amazement.

"I…" she started to say.

"You healed me," the old woman said.

"I...I did?" she asked. Paul smiled.

"And you thought you didn't have magic," Paul teased.

"But all magic comes with a price," Eva said nervously.

"I saw you nearly double over in pain for a moment," Paul replied.

"I felt her pain…" Eva told him.

"Well, I'm no expert on magic, but I believe that may be your price," Paul answered.

"To feel the pain of those I heal?" she asked.

"It would be my guess. Regina may have more insight," he suggested. Seeing the happiness in the woman and her health returned was enough for her.

If feeling the pain of those she healed briefly was her price. She would gladly endure it to save lives.

"Go…" Paul encouraged.

"Thank you. I think I need to tell my Aunt what just happened," she said, as she hurried out. He smiled and unhooked the IV.

"You won't be needing this anymore," he said with a smile.


Eva hurried into the diner and looked around for her Aunt. But Regina wasn't there. The text from her twin revealed that he was picking up Henry and Roland from school. So she came to the diner, because eventually they all ended up there.

"Hey sweetie, hot chocolate?" Ruby asked. Eva smiled.

"Sure, thanks," Eva said, as she sat down on a stool at the counter.

"You okay? You look nervous," Ruby inquired.

"I was just looking for Regina. I need to talk to her," Eva replied.

"I'm sure she and Robin will be along soon. You do remember what today is, right?" Ruby replied. Eva thought for a moment and then it dawned on her. Of course. Now she knew where Regina was. It was the anniversary of Daniel's death and Regina would be with Robin at her family mausoleum.

"She'll be along soon. I'm sure," Ruby assured, as she st a cup of cocoa in front of her. Eva nodded with a smile. She would wait and give Regina her time.


Regina gently put the bouquet of flowers on the grave she had erected in Storybrooke for Daniel just after she and Robin had been married. During that time, a new chapter had begun in her life and she knew it was time to finally close another. That meant finally letting Daniel go. His preserved body, which she secretly kept hidden, was finally buried in a small, private ceremony.

She now visited his grave just once a year with Robin by her side. He hoped that he was proud of her; how she had turned her life around. She hoped he could forgive her for all the vengeance she had wrought in his name. Robin always assured her that he did and he wasn't the only one that was proud of her. They mostly stood in silence for some time, before finally moving on and heading back to town. This particular year, they had a bit of a crisis on their hands and Regina was determined to get the rest of her family back.


After a rationed breakfast, they made the day long trek through Snow and Charming's former kingdom, which they had fought King George fiercely for.

Charming carried Summer for most the way, but he didn't mind. Given their situation, she was doing remarkably well for four-years old. And over the course of the day, she became much more comfortable with Lancelot, so when he asked if Uncle Lance could carry her for a while, she had let him.

Snow had even spied Mulan smiling at their little one during one of their rests as Emma played with her.

They hiked up the final ridge and stopped on the cliff side that revealed the view of the palace.

"Wow...Daddy, is that your castle?" Summer asked. He nodded.

"Mine and Mommy's," he told her.

"It looks just like it does in the book," Emma mentioned, smiling at her parents.

"Well, what are we waiting for?" Snow asked, as they started down the hill. It didn't take long to reach the courtyard and soon they were navigating the eerie corridors.

"Mulan, Aurora, and I will gather food. This will be a good place to spend the night," Lancelot said, leaving the small family in the residence wing of their former home.

Snow took a deep breath, as she touched the handle of the door to the nursery.

Emma held Summer's hand, allowing Charming to put his arms around Snow.

She opened the door and they slowly walked into the room Emma never got to use. Toys were strewn everywhere, furniture was broken, including a crib that was tipped over and the wardrobe sat in the corner.

Charming felt Snow grip his shirt, as she spied a dried bloodstain near it.

"Snow…" he said gently.

"This was all yours, Emma," she said, as Emma hugged her mother.

"I know Mom. It's beautiful, even now. I'm glad I got to see it. So that's it?" Emma asked, gesturing to the wardrobe.

"Yes," Charming answered.

"It can still take one?" Emma asked curiously.

"It can," Snow said, looking at Emma.

"Don't even think it, Mom. We all go back together or not at all," Emma replied stubbornly.

"Then we need to find a way to still use the magic in it," Snow agreed.

"Oh, there you are. I'm so glad I caught up," King Richard said, as he seemingly appeared out of nowhere and intruded on their family moment. Snow and Charming knew instantly something wasn't right, but they stayed calm.

"You followed us?" Snow asked.

"Yes...I know Lancelot implored me to stay behind, but I couldn't. I just knew I had to join the quest to help Leopold's darling daughter and her lovely family," Richard insisted. Charming felt the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end. He exchanged a quick glance with Snow.

"That's very kind of you, Your Highness, but this could be dangerous and the survivors need a leader," Charming reasoned.

"And they'll have one. But indulge an old man's desire to help the daughter of his long dead friend, my boy," Richard replied, as he gazed at the wardrobe.

"So...this is it?" he asked curiously.

"Yes," Snow answered carefully.

"This is how you'll get home to your twins and young Henry," he said. In a flash that made Emma gasp and quickly guard her baby sister, Snow and Charming pulled their swords from their sheaths and leveled them at the King.

"We never mentioned our grandson's name to you," Snow hissed.

"Who are you really?" Charming demanded. The King laughed and in a puff of purple smoke, he was gone and a woman stood in his place.

"So clever...my dear, sweet Snow," the woman goaded.

"Where's the real King Richard?" Charming questioned.

"Oh...I killed him, a long time ago," Cora replied nonchalantly.

"What do you want?" Snow demanded to know.

"Why...I want to see my daughter, of course," she replied.

"Regina is happy. She's found love again and I won't let you ruin it this time," Snow said with vehemence.

"Oh dear Snow, a daughter needs her mother, no matter what the circumstance, but then I guess you wouldn't know much about that," Cora goaded.

"Lady...you're the definition of horrible mother. Trust me, Regina's better off without you," Emma barked.

"Ugh...so ill-mannered. I'd expect better of you, Snow. Your daughter is supposed to be a princess...but I guess her uncouth behavior could be attributed to your peasant turned imposter prince," Cora jabbed.

"My husband is twice the man his brother was," Snow shot back.

"If you say so. As much fun as this is, I believe I'll be off to Storybrooke now," Cora said.

Suddenly, the wardrobe lit up in a blaze of flames.

"NO!" Cora cried, seeing that Emma had lit it on fire with her torch.

"You and the little one will pay for that," Cora hissed, as she tossed magic at them. Emma shielded Summer, but David leapt in front of them, deflecting the magic with his sword, as Lancelot and Mulan rushed in.

"This isn't over," Cora promised, as she disappeared in a puff of magenta smoke.

"What happened?" Mulan demanded to know.

"King Richard was really Cora in disguise," Snow informed.

"What?!" Lancelot exclaimed. Charming nodded.

"She is Queen Regina's mother?" Lancelot recalled. The prince nodded.

"What does she want?" Aurora asked.

"To see her daughter, which means going to Storybrooke," Snow said.

"Which would put everyone in danger," Charming added.

"Unlike Regina, Cora will never change so we burned the wardrobe. We'll find another way home. Cora can't get to Storybrooke," Snow implored.

"We'll help you find another way," Lancelot promised.

"Thank you. We should journey back to camp though. Now that we know the King wasn't really the King, the survivors will need your leadership," David replied.

"It's probably best we leave the castle and find a suitable camp site for the night. We can set out for the haven in the morning then," Mulan decided. They nodded in agreement.


Once they left the destroyed nursery, Cora appeared in the room again. She gathered the dust from the wardrobe in a vial and corked it, before disappearing again.

She reappeared miles away, next to a handsome man, who surveyed his surroundings through a spy glass.

"Cora," he regarded in a cultured accent.

"Hello Hook," she responded.

"What of our endeavors?" he inquired. She held up the vial and he looked unimpressed.

"Sparkly dirt...wonderful," he mocked.

"Have faith, Captain. They may have burned the magical wardrobe, but the dust still has magic. We just need something more to help it and we'll be able to journey to the other realm," Cora promised. He smirked.

"Then you have a plan?" he inquired. She smiled.

"Indeed I do, my dear Captain," she replied, as they disappeared in a puff of smoke.


Before leaving the palace, they raided it for supplies, bringing along extra canteens, blankets, and other untouched provisions. They found a suitable clearing to make camp a few miles from the palace and went to work. Mulan and Aurora went to gather fresh water, while Lancelot scavenged for food.

"Come on...let's go find some firewood," Snow said, as she took her husband's hand. He smiled and they kissed Summer, who was content to stay with Emma.

Snow took her bow, in case they spotted any game while they were looking for firewood. They joined hands and Emma watched them venture off, her mom leaning against her dad, with his arm around her. It was a familiar and comforting sight.

"Are they always like that?" Aurora asked, with both curiosity and mild annoyance. Emma smiled.

"You mean like lovesick teenagers? Pretty much," Emma replied.

"Must be nice," Aurora mumbled.

"I'm really sorry about Philip," she replied. Aurora deflated and her hostility disappeared.

"Thank you. I'm sorry too," she replied.

Once they were about a mile away, Snow surprised her husband and pushed him up against a tree. His surprise melted, as she tackled his lips with her own, kissing him breathless.

"Not that I'm complaining, but aren't we supposed to be gathering firewood?" he mused.

"We are…but first, I'm going to kiss my husband senseless," she replied, as their lips met again and he pulled her flush against him, as their lips moved passionately over each other's.

"I love you...I want you so badly right now," he groaned, as he kissed her neck.

"Then have me," she tempted, whispering in his ear.

"Here?" he asked incredulously. She smirked.

"You act like you haven't taken me against a tree before," she mused. He smirked and reversed their positions, pressing her against the tree. They would have to be quiet, quick, and half clothed, but she needed him inside her now.

_Snowing_

She undid a couple buttons on his shirt so she could kiss his bare, sculpted chest. He cupped her breasts through her cardigan and then undid the button on her jeans, dragging the zipper down. She clawed at his belt and undid his jeans, just as his fingers slipped inside her underwear. She gasped into his kiss and moaned, as he stroked her.

She impatiently pushed his pants down just enough, along with his boxers and put her small hand around his hardening shaft.

He groaned and stroked her again. She was so wet and ready for him. He lifted her up and she hooked her legs around him, as he slid inside her with a swift thrust. They sighed together, their joining bringing them unspeakable pleasure. He began moving, thrusting hard and deeply into his beloved, while she moaned for him.

"Charming," she hissed in his ear, the pure ecstasy in her voice spurring him on. He held her hips tightly, plunging into her hot and deeply, each time grinding against her sweet spot. Snow writhed and thrashed in his strong arms, her sex quaking and clenching around him.

"Gods Snow…" he cried.

"You feel so good, baby," she mewled, as she felt her climax licking at the edge and she dragged her nails along his back. He felt it too, knowing her as well as he did. His thrusts became more frantic and she came, falling apart against him, as he held her, while riding her orgasm with her. Seconds behind her, he cried her name and spilled his essence inside her. She unhooked her legs and they slumped down against the tree. He kissed her passionately, as they attempted to collect themselves.

_Snowing_

When they finally regained their composure, many tender kisses and soft gazes later, they redressed and took off through the forest hand in hand.

An hour later, they returned to camp, but with firewood and three pheasants, thanks to Snow's hunting prowess with her bow.

Their mussed hair and clothes didn't escape anyone's notice, though Emma tried really hard to avoid thinking about it.

As Lancelot helped Charming skin their dinner, he gave him a knowing smirk, to which David just smirked back innocently, causing Lancelot to shake his head in amusement. It was nice to know some things never changed.

After eating and a story to Summer, which they all participated in, surprisingly even Mulan, they went to sleep by the fire.


Storybrooke

Leo walked into the diner that evening, only to find it deserted. It was getting late, but he found that a bit odd. It had been a long day in the mines, so he had opted to come get take out from Granny's for everyone. He saw the order sitting on the counter, but still called out curiously.

"Granny? Aunt Red?" he called.

"In the back, dear!" he heard Granny call.

Of all the things he was expecting to see when he got back there, it wasn't this.

"Uh Granny...what are you doing?" he asked.

"Here...you're a growing boy. Take these home. An hour in the oven and it's ready," she said, handing him several frozen lasagnas.

"Uh...thanks, but why are you taking everything out of the freezer and chaining Aunt Red in it?" he asked. It was positively the weirdest sentence he had ever said.

"There's a full moon tonight. It's the first wolf's time in twenty-eight years with magic in town," Red warned.

"But you got control of it, a long time ago," Leo replied.

"Honey, I haven't turned in twenty-eight years. I can't take a chance that I could lose control and hurt someone," Red replied.

"You won't...I know you won't," he insisted.

"You should listen to your Godson," Granny agreed.

"Besides, I've got this special ability to communicate with animals that's only amplified now that magic is here. I'd easily be able to get through to you in wolf form," he reminded. Red considered it for a moment.

"I still can't risk it," Red answered. Leo sighed and watched Granny reluctantly lock her in. Hopefully, in the morning, she'd see it would be for nothing.


The Enchanted Forest

The next day, they made the trek back to the haven, only to find complete slaughter awaiting them.

"Who could have done this?" Aurora asked in horror, as they examined the victims.

"Their hearts are missing. Cora did this," Snow said in anguish, as Charming put his arm around her, while his other hand kept Summer's face buried against his chest.

"I found some survivors. They're terrified the witch will return," Lancelot said. Charming knew he was torn between his friendship with them and his duty to the survivors, so Charming decided to make it easy for him.

"They need a new safe haven and a leader. You should take them home to Camelot," David suggested.

"But with Cora out there...I can't leave you to fend for yourselves against her," Lancelot protested.

"These survivors don't deserve her wrath because of us," Snow said.

"Mulan…" Lancelot said.

"I'll help them find a way home, but they're right. These survivors need you," Mulan said. Charming shook his hand heartily.

"You've done much for us. Safe journey back to Camelot. And don't give up on true love. It's never easy, but it must be fought for," David said.

"I'm not sure it's in the fates for us," Lancelot replied uncertainly. David smiled.

"I'm not sure is a far cry from there's no hope," David retorted. Lancelot smiled.

"Take it from me. True love is worth all the risks," he said. They shook hands again and Snow hugged him.

"Take care of yourself," she whispered.

"You too," he replied, as he pulled back and smiled at Summer.

"Goodbye little princess," he said, as he set off to gather the survivors, as they scoured the remains of the camp.

As Emma helped search the rubble, she saw movement beneath some debris.

David helped Emma dig the person out of the wreckage.

"Oh...oh thank you so much," the man said gratefully. Emma instantly noticed that he was very handsome, even in the rags he was wearing. David offered his hand and pulled him out of the debris.

They sat him down in a flat area and Snow offered him a canteen.

"Oh...thank you milady," he said graciously, in a cultured accent.

"Did you see what happened here?" David asked. He gave a haggard nod.

"There was a witch. She appeared and started ripping hearts out," he replied.

"How did you survive? Cora doesn't have a habit of leaving survivors," Snow said suspiciously.

"I hit beneath the bodies and played dead," he confessed. Emma cocked her head to the side. Her internal lie detector wasn't getting a definite read on this guy and it unnerved her.

"Anything else you can tell us? Like where she went?" Mulan asked.

"She was looking for something...a compass!" he exclaimed. Emma raised an eyebrow.

"A compass? Seriously?" she asked.

"If Cora was looking for it, then it's important," Snow assured her.

"The question is why," David added.

"Maybe he knows," Emma said, as she looked at the survivor.

"Unfortunately, I have no idea why the witch wanted a compass," he replied.

"I'll let you in on a little secret, pal. I'm pretty good at knowing when someone is lying and I'm pretty sure you are. Who are you really?" Emma demanded to know. He smirked.

"Wouldn't you like to know," he leered. David pointed his sword at him and motioned him to the tree, where Snow tied him up. Ogre's roared in the near distance.

"Let's go," David said, as he picked up Summer and joined hands with Snow, as they started back into the woods.

"Wait...you can't leave me here!" he screamed.

"We can...unless you tell us who you really are," Emma said, threatening him with her sword.

"Fine...but don't leave me here. You're supposed to be the heroes!" he spat.

"And what does that make you?" David challenged.

"Tell us or I beat it out of you," Emma threatened. He chuckled.

"That might be fun," he chuckled.

"It won't be if I'm doing the beating," David threatened with the point of his sword.

"Easy mate...no need for violence," he mused with a smirk.

"Killian Jones...but most prefer my more colorful moniker...Hook. Now untie me," he stated. Snow checked his bag and pulled out the hook in astonishment.

Emma sighed and untied him, as they hurried a safe distance from the nearby ogres.

"Of course...Captain Hook," she muttered, as they trailed along the path and finally stopped on a small ridge.

"I must compliment you on the beautiful company you keep, mate," Hook commented, eying the blonde and raven haired beauties.

"And you can keep your eyes off my wife and daughter or I might rip your eyes out of their sockets," David growled.

"Charming," Snow chided gently.

"Daughter?" he asked in confusion. Emma smirked.

"Yep...these are my parents you're making innuendos in front of," Emma quipped awkwardly.

"How is that...right, the curse. You're the Savior," Killian deduced. David's sword was now pointed at his throat again.

"How do you know about that?" he hissed.

"Cora told you, didn't she?" Snow reasoned.

"She did, but as you know, I'm a pirate. I tend to work for whomever will make me the best offer," Hook said.

"Or you'll use us and betray us to Cora," Emma quipped and David nodded in agreement.

"On the contrary, lass, that would be bad form," he replied.

"Why would you ever help us?" Snow asked.

"You hero types always do the right thing and you'd never betray me if I help you. The same can't be said for Cora," Killian replied.

"And what do you want?" David inquired.

"And how can you help us?" Emma added, as father and daughter stood, arms crossed over their chests. Hook smirked and looked at Snow.

"How ever did I miss the resemblance before?" he mused and even Snow had to smirk.

"I can help, because I know where the compass is and how to get it," Hook answered.

"And we need that with the dust to create a portal home," Snow said. He nodded.

"But what's in it for you?" the princess asked.

"I only ask that you take me with you," Hook replied.

"And why the hell do you want to go to Storybrooke?" David demanded to know.

"If you must know...the Dark One took the woman I love from me. I'd like to see him answer for it," Hook replied.

"Storybrooke has laws, of which I'm charge to uphold. Creating chaos in our town will end with you in a jail cell," David warned.

"Fine...you can come," Emma said.

"Emma!" David exclaimed.

"Relax Dad...Gold has magic. What's this guy gonna do?" Emma asked. David relaxed, realizing that she was right. Hook frowned.

"I thought this land was known as the Land Without Magic?" he asked.

"Storybrooke is now the exception. Gold brought magic to our town. Still interested?" she asked. He didn't hesitate.

"Yes," Hook replied.

"Fine...where's the compass?" Emma asked.

"Up there," he said, pointing to the massive beanstalk in the distance. Emma sighed.

"Of course it is. A beanstalk. Why am I not surprised," Emma grumbled, as they continued on and made the trek to the base of the beanstalk, an almost two hour journey...